Farrah G. Cambrice, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 14, 2023) – Farrah G. Cambrice, associate professor of sociology and recent recipient of Prairie View A&M University’s Andrew Mellon Outstanding Faculty Award, has been named to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Board on Gulf Education and Engagement. The Board of Gulf Education and Engagement is one of several units a part of the Gulf Research Program established after the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010.
Board members provide strategic guidance to the Gulf Research Program in research studies, projects and other activities.
“My early research efforts were devoted to understanding community building in the aftermath of a disaster. Hence, I am aware of the social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities of Gulf region populations,” said Cambrice. “I am honored to have this opportunity and look forward to serving.”
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine website, the studies, projects and activities conducted by the GRP will advance and apply science, engineering and public health knowledge to reduce risks from offshore oil spills and will enable the communities of the Gulf to better anticipate, mitigate and recover from future disasters.
This is in line with Dr. Cambrice’s work, as her research and teaching interests include race, disaster recovery, community building and qualitative methods. Her dissertation focused on black middle-class community rebuilding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
“Many of the programs we’re responsible for advising have an intentional focus on the diversity of the region, and they also have a dedicated focus on HBCUs,” said Cambrice. “Like PVAMU, there are a lot of HBCUs located along the Gulf region through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. And we are really vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and disasters, so that focus for me is very important. It’s important that our students and our faculty, and our researchers are funded and they are given the opportunity to carry out this work.
“To be at the table and talk about what those needs are and help come up with recommendations is exciting,” she continued. “I really want to advocate for HBCUs to be involved in these programs. Part of being on this Board is really empowering people and communities to improve the lives of everyday citizens. I’m excited about helping effect that grassroots-level change.”
Cambrice’s connection to the Gulf region began with her days as a Ph.D. student at Tulane University.
“It wasn’t until I moved to New Orleans that I gained so much appreciation for culture and community and community building,” she said.
“Living in New Orleans, in this region, changed my life. It changed my perspective on research. I learned how to develop rapport and the importance of engaging residents. Being part of this board feels like a full circle moment.”
By Kelly Rusk
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